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en2017 - VOA60Fri, 18 Aug 2017 02:56:56 +0000Pangea CMS – VOAAcademic Writing: Common Patterns, Part 1
The new school year is beginning in communities across the United States.
Many students are busy at work in their new classes. Some are already thinking about all the homework they will face in the weeks to come.
Schools often require students to read academic articles -- short or long reports about a class-related subject. Teachers also ask students to write book reports and research papers.
Today on Everyday Grammar, we will explore two grammatical structures that you will see often in academic writing.
We will show you how to use these structures. We also will show you when not to use them.
#1 Evaluating an idea
If you are writing or reading for academic purposes, you will likely see the following structure: It + is + an adjective + that-clause.
This is a common way to express an attitude, opinion or position. It is often used when considering an idea, note grammar experts Susan Conrad and Douglas Biber.
Here is an example:
"It is clear that the evidence is inconsistent."
Here is how you can understand the sentence. The subject in our example is the word it. Then comes the verb is. After is, there is an adjective: the word clear.
After clear, there is a that-clause. A that-clause is a group of words, beginning with the word that. It has a subject and a predicate. A predicate is the part of a sentence that expresses what is said about the subject.
The that-clause has the idea that the writer is considering. In the example we gave you, the idea under consideration is the following statement: "the evidence is inconsistent."
The adjective clear suggests the writer's judgment.
By saying "it is clear," the writer is saying that he or she agrees the evidence appears to be conflicting with other information.
Note that the writer did not write, "I think that the evidence is inconsistent," even if it has the same meaning as the example sentence. Why? We will explore that issue later in the report.
Academic writers often use it + is + an adjective + that-clause to raise questions, note possibility, and express importance.
For example, you might read the following sentence:
"It is unlikely that the results will be conclusive."
Or,
"It is likely that the information was incomplete."
In the former case, the writer is using the adjective unlikely to raise questions. In the latter one, the writer is using the adjective likely to express possibility.
#2 Evaluating an action
A second common structure, it + is + an adjective + an infinitive phrase, is often used to judge an action. The infinitive phrase describes the action. The adjective shows the writer's evaluation.
Consider this example:
"It is difficult to define these ideas."
In this example, the infinitive to define relates to an action, while the adjective difficult shows the writer's evaluation.
Writers often use it + is + an adjective + an infinitive phrase to show possibility, difficulty, importance, and so on.
So, for example, you might read the following sentences: "It is hard to understand these effects," or "It is necessary to carry out further research."
In the former example, the writer is expressing difficulty, while in the latter the writer is expressing necessity.
Other ways to express the same ideas
The two structures we have discussed are common in academic writing.
You should try using them with your own adjectives, that-clauses, infinitive phrases, and so on.
There is one point to keep in mind, however. You should know that sometimes you might not want to use these structures – especially if you are writing for business or even artistic reasons.
In those situations, it might be better to use more direct language.
Consider the first example we gave you, "It is clear that the evidence is inconsistent."
This is a common, acceptable way to write a sentence for academic purposes. It is grammatically correct.
However, the statement uses indirect language to express an evaluation. The writer is expressing an opinion without specifically writing "I think...," for example.
However, if you are writing for other purposes other than college professors, you could simplify your language. You could give a very direct evaluation by writing "I think the evidence is inconsistent," or simply "The evidence is inconsistent."
The structure that you choose to use depends on what kind of writing you are doing.
It is difficult to improve your writing. But with practice, you can do it!
I'm John Russell.
And I'm Pete Musto.
John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
_____________________________________________________________
Words in This Story
that-clause – n. a part of a sentence (beginning with that) that has its own subject and verb
evaluate – v. to judge the value or condition of (someone or something) in a careful and thoughtful way
inconsistent – adj. having parts that disagree with each other
conclusive – adj. showing that something is certainly true
data – n. facts or information used usually to calculate, analyze, or plan something
infinitive phrase – n. an infinitive phrase is a group of words consisting of an infinitive, objects, and modifiers
concept – n. an idea of what something is or how it works
academic – adj. of or related to a school, especially of higher education
article – n. a piece of writing or story about a subject
verb – n. a word that expresses an action, event or state of being
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/everyday-grammar-common-patterns/3988378.htmlThu, 17 Aug 2017 22:03:01 +0000Featured StoriesEveryday Grammarhttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/everyday-grammar-common-patterns/3988378.html#commentsSocial Media Used to Identify Charlottesville Protesters
People are turning to social media to identify white supremacists who attended last weekend’s violent protest in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The white supremacists, including neo-Nazis, skinheads and Ku Klux Klan members, came to protest planned removal of a Confederate statue.
Heather Heyer was killed when a man drove his car into a group of counter protesters. Police said the driver was James Alex Fields Jr., described by a former teacher as a Nazi supporter. He is being held in jail on murder and other criminal charges.
The Twitter account @YesyoureRacist ran photos of people attending the protest organized under a “Unite the Right” banner. It asks people to identify the people pictured in the photos.
At least 10 people have been identified, as of Thursday. @YesyoureRacist’s followers increased from about 60,000 before the Charlottesville protests to over 400,000.
Logan Smith of North Carolina is the man behind the @YesyoureRacist Twitter account. Smith started the account five years ago to report on racist comments about former President Barack Obama. As a white man, Smith said he believes people should be held responsible for racist and anti-Semitic speech.
Smith works for a liberal group in North Carolina. Smith said he is receiving threats of violence against him and his family.
“The threats are disturbing, but it’s nothing that I consider credible,” he said. “So right now, I’m just trying to get past this. And hold people responsible.”
What happened to identified protestors
Among the people identified as joining in the violent Charlottesville protests on the @YesyoureRacist Twitter account are Cole White and Peter Cvjetanovic.
Soon after the report appeared on Smith’s Twitter page, White gave up his job at Top Dog, a California restaurant.
Cvjetanovic told Channel 2 News in Nevada that he did not expect the photo of him marching with a burning stick in Charlottesville to be seen by so many people. He also said he is “not the angry racist they see in the photo.”
The University of Nevada, Reno, said Cvjetanovic is a student at the school. Marc Johnson is president of the college. He said America’s guarantee of freedom of speech means Cvjetanovic cannot be dismissed from the school.
“It requires us to support the right of people to express views which we sometimes vehemently disagree,” Johnson said.
Some reports on social media are false
But not everything reported on social media about the Charlottesville violence is true. Smith had to apologize for identifying a person shown in a photo wearing a Nazi armband. The man said the picture was not taken in Charlottesville, but at an earlier event.
Other social media sites got it wrong when they identified a man wearing a University of Arkansas College of Engineering shirt as a teacher at the school. The teacher told the New York Times that he was attending an art exhibit in Arkansas and was not in Charlottesville last weekend.
This is not the first time social media got things wrong.
In 2013, people used social media site Reddit to name a missing student as a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing that killed three and injured nearly 300 people.
It was not true. Two brothers, Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, were charged and convicted in the bombing. Reddit later apologized.
“The internet doesn’t always get it right”
“I think the danger is that the internet doesn’t always get it right,” said Elizabeth Behm-Morawitz. She is an associate professor at the Department of Communications at the University of Missouri.
Social media can hold people accountable for racist and anti-Semitic opinions and even identify people who attacked people, Behm-Morawitz said. But for people accused wrongly, it is difficult to correct false reports once they reach thousands, even millions of people, on the internet.
The burning sticks carried on the University of Virginia campus Friday night were photographed and shown widely on social media and in television and newspaper news reports. It reminded some people of Nazi Party rallies in Germany before and during World War II.
The sticks are made by TIKI Brand. The company put out this statement on Facebook:
“TIKI Brand is not associated in any way with the events that took place,” the company said.
I'm Jill Robins. And I'm Bruce Alpert.
Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English based on reports by the Associated Press, Reuters and other sources. Hai Do was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page.
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Words in This Story
white supremacist - n. person who believes whites are better than blacks and other races
counter protesters - n. people protesting a protest by a group with different opinions
disturbing - adj. very troubling
credible - adj. believable
accountable - adj. required to be responsible for something
uncomfortable - adj. making a person feel bad or uneasy
vehemently - adv. very strongly
associate - v. connected to someone or something
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/social-media-used-to-identify-charlotesville-protesters/3989596.htmlThu, 17 Aug 2017 22:01:25 +0000HomeUS NewsAs It IsLevel Twohttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/social-media-used-to-identify-charlotesville-protesters/3989596.html#commentsChinese Activist Faces up to 10 Years in Prison
A court in China held a closed hearing on Monday in the case of a well-known Chinese activist.
Wu Gan faces up to 10 years in prison. Legal observers expect the court to announce its decision in a few days.
Wu is said to face up to 12 charges, including “inciting state subversion.”
Wu is best known for making fun of official efforts to block his push for justice.
Wu Gan is known in China by his online name: “The Butcher.”
Wu once served in China’s military. He became famous by using unusual campaigns that combine online speech, street performance, and humor to criticize other people’s actions.
Wu was first arrested in May of 2015 after he reportedly swore at the head of a court in Nanchang, a city in Jiangxi province. He was officially charged with “inciting state subversion” two months later.
However, his detention was reported to be part of the July 9 Crackdown, a government campaign against rights lawyers that began in July of 2015. Wu did work for the Beijing Fengrui Law Firm, a law office that was a main target of the crackdown.
Trial not open to the public
His trial on Monday was not open to the public. The court in Tianjin said in a statement that this was because state secrets were involved.
The statement said Wu “recognized” his behavior was a crime and that his lawyers presented arguments in his defense. The court added that a decision “would be handed down at a later date.”
Before the trial, Wu released a statement that his father published online.
In that statement, the activist said he expects a “heavy sentence” because he refused a state-appointed lawyer or to admit guilt in court.
Wu said he also refused to admit guilt in front of a television camera for officials’ propaganda purposes. And he said he wanted to show how the police had tortured him.
Wu described the trial as a “farce,” and said he would refuse to speak in his own defense. “An innocent man doesn’t need to defend himself,” the statement said.
Wu also said he did nothing wrong but to exercise his civil rights guaranteed by China’s Constitution. He said being found guilty would represent an honor awarded to “warriors for liberty and democracy.”
Jerome Cohen is a professor at the New York University School of Law. He called the statement a moving and accurate description of the misuse of China’s legal system to limit freedom of speech.
Cohen wrote on his blog, “This account of his personal experience encapsulates virtually all the abuses the Xi Jinping regime has been committing against human rights activists.”
You Minglei is a legal assistant and a friend of Wu Gan. You said Wu would likely receive a seven-to-10-year sentence.
You told VOA that Chinese officials were angry with Wu for his “pursuit of illegal misconduct by local governments or public office holders.”
He noted that Wu wrote stories with names like “Guides to Butchering Pigs” and “Guides to Drinking Tea,” which made officials angry.
Increased security was reported around the court in Tianjin, where the secret trial was held. Several China-based diplomats and journalists, including a VOA reporter, were barred from observing the trial.
I’m Mario Ritter.
Joyce Huang reported this story for VOANews.com. Mario Ritter adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.
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Words in This Story
online – adj. connected to or involving a computer or telecommunications system
crackdown – n. a serious effort to punish people for doing something that is not permitted; an increase in the enforcement of certain laws or rules
farce – n. something seen as bad or the object of laughter
accurate – adj. free from mistake; problem-free
blog – n. web log, someone’s online writing page
encapsulates --v. shows the main idea of something
pursuit – n. to seek out and follow
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/chinese-activists-faces-prison-wu/3988298.htmlThu, 17 Aug 2017 22:00:40 +0000HomeWorld NewsAs It IsLevel Twohttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/chinese-activists-faces-prison-wu/3988298.html#commentsUN: Over One Million South Sudan Refugees in Uganda
The United Nations says over one million people have entered Uganda to escape violence in neighboring South Sudan.
The U.N.’s refugee agency reported Thursday that an average of 1,800 South Sudanese arrived daily in Uganda over the past year. One million others are reported to have gone to Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic.
Recent arrivals to refugee camps have reported “barbaric violence” in their home country. They say South Sudanese civilians are being burned alive in their homes. They report of sexual attacks on women and girls, and kidnapping of boys who are then forced into armed groups.
South Sudan’s civil war began at the end of 2013. Aid agencies say there has been increasing violence since a power-sharing agreement collapsed in July of last year. Civilians have suffered the most in the conflict.
The International Committee of the Red Cross says one in three people living in South Sudan has been displaced. It also says one in two South Sudanese is severely hungry and in need of food assistance.
The New York-based group International Rescue Committee, or IRC, reports that 75 percent of the South Sudanese refugees in Uganda have arrived in the past year.
Amnesty International has called the one-million mark a “wake-up call” for the international community. The group says other countries must act to stop violence and other abuses against civilians in South Sudan.
The United Nations has estimated it will need $674 million this year alone to provide for the refugees, but the U.N. says it has received only 20 percent of that amount. The lack of money has forced the World Food Program to cut food supplies for some refugees. Classes have also been affected in the few schools available. Some classes often have as many as 200 students.
South Sudanese families continue to arrive, exhausted, in Uganda. Armed rebels keep a close watch on the South Sudanese side of the border as the people cross. The most recent arrivals have suffered through heavy rain, cold nights and the sun’s heat to find safety.
Once on the Ugandan side, Lacey Iya and her family stopped to rest.
She says they stayed three weeks under trees, with only simple cooking equipment, plates and drinking glasses. She says they need to be taken to a place to find peace, and leave what happened behind them.
I’m Anne Ball.
George Grow wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.
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Words in This Story
barbaric – adj. wild; showing a lack of restraint
according – adv. as stated by or in
wake-up – adj. helping someone or something to awaken
plate – n. a flat, usually round object that is used for serving food
exhausted – adj. extremely tired
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/south-sudan-refugees-uganda/3989784.htmlThu, 17 Aug 2017 22:00:24 +0000HomeWorld NewsAs It IsLevel Onehttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/south-sudan-refugees-uganda/3989784.html#commentsSouth Korea Says US in Close Communications Over North
South Korean President Moon Jae-in says U.S. President Donald Trump has told him North Korea would not be attacked without South Korea’s approval.
Moon said, “The United States and President Trump have declared and promised that whatever military action they would like to take, they will fully discuss it with us and get our consent.”
“South Korea and the U.S. are in full communication and discussions,” he added.
During a televised news conference, Moon also promised to prevent another military conflict on the Korean Peninsula. The event marked his first 100 days in office.
Moon has called for reducing tensions through talks and engagement. This has been different from the U.S. president’s efforts to put “maximum pressure” on North Korea for its missile tests and nuclear program.
However, Moon said North Korea should stop the development of a fully operational Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Such a development, Moon said, would cross a “red line” and raise the risk of military conflict.
Moon said “President Trump is trying to pressure North Korea by showing firm determination.” But he said he considered economic pressure was the main way to persuade North Korea to take part in nuclear talks.
Tensions ease as North Korean launch postponed
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula eased this week as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un postponed planned missile launches. North Korea had threatened to launch missiles targeting waters near the U.S. territory of Guam in the Pacific Ocean.
Trump called the postponement a “wise and well-reasoned decision” in a tweet on the social network Twitter.
North Korea’s threat was in reaction to new United Nations Security Council restrictions. The goal of the measures is to ban about $1 billion worth of North Korean exports including coal, iron ore and seafood. The U.S. and other countries have accused North Korea of using export income to fund its banned weapons programs.
Moon’s news conference Wednesday came less than one week before the beginning of yearly military exercises between South Korean and U.S. troops.
North Korea strongly condemns the exercises calling them preparations for “invasion.”
During a visit to Beijing Thursday, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Cheifs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford said there are no plans to reduce the size of the exercises.
And U.S. Vice President Mike Pence again stated that “all options” toward North Korea remain for consideration during his visit to South America.
China is North Korea’s main ally and biggest trade partner.
On Monday, China announced it would place restrictions on North Korean imports following the U.N. Security Council measures. China has urged North Korea not to carry out missile or nuclear tests that are banned by the Council. It also has said stopping regular South Korea-U.S. military exercises would ease tensions in the area.
I’m Dorothy Gundy.
Brian Padden and Richard Green reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.
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Words in This Story
consent –n. giving approval
maximum –adj. the most
determination –n. to continue to do something in order to reach a difficult goal
persuade –v. to convince someone to do something
options –n. things that can be chosen between, opportunities to choose
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/south-korea-says-us-in-close-communications-over-north/3989766.htmlThu, 17 Aug 2017 22:00:00 +0000HomeWorld NewsAs It IsLevel Twohttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/south-korea-says-us-in-close-communications-over-north/3989766.html#commentsNews Words: ImpactWhat does it mean to have an impact on something? Find out in this week's News Words.https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/news-words-impact/3930819.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/news-words-impact/3930819.htmlThu, 17 Aug 2017 19:00:00 +0000News Wordshttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/news-words-impact/3930819.html#commentsAmerica's Presidents - Theodore Roosevelthttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3989352.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3989352.htmlThu, 17 Aug 2017 12:19:00 +0000America's Presidentshttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3989352.html#commentsFacebook Offers New Video Service
Last week, Facebook announced its newest service: Facebook Watch, which lets you watch original videos on Facebook.
Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook announced on his Facebook page that the service will be coming soon.
Facebook Watch is a streaming video service, like Netflix.
Facebook Watch also is similar to traditional television in that shows will be scheduled. You can watch shows as they are added each week at a certain day and time, just like traditional TV.
This video from Facebook introduces Facebook Watch:
Facebook Watch is free. Some shows will have advertisements, however.
What you can watch on Facebook Watch
Facebook Watch will include news, entertainment, sports, cooking and reality programs. Some shows will be broadcast live while others will be recorded. Facebook plans to have hundreds of shows available at first; up to thousands of shows later.
Major League Baseball will be showing one game a week on Facebook Watch. Other shows will come from sites such as A&E, Mashable, National Public Radio (NPR), NASA, and National Geographic.
One example of a new Facebook Watch show is Returning the Favor with Mike Rowe. Rowe will visit towns where people are doing extraordinary things. Then he will do something extraordinary for them, in return.
You can suggest people to be included on the show by posting on Mike Rowe's Facebook page.
​Facebook Watch is social
Unlike other streaming media or traditional TV, Facebook Watch has social features that can help users connect with others. Mark Zuckerberg said, "It can be a chance to share an experience and bring people together who care about the same things."
Users will be able to add comments on Facebook as they watch. They can discuss a show with their friends as it is broadcast.
Shows on Facebook Watch will include fan groups that Facebook users can join. In the groups, users can share their thoughts and connect with others to discuss the show.
Finding shows to watch
Facebook has added several ways to make it easy to find shows that interest you. Facebook Watch has a watchlist so you can remember to watch your favorite shows as soon as they become available.
There is also a Discover section to help find shows that might interest you.
Facebook Watch will suggest videos that your Facebook friends like. You will find them in the fittingly titled “What Your Friends Are Watching” section.
Additionally, users will see suggestions for videos popular across Facebook, in sections such as “Most Talked About” or “What's Making People Laugh.”
How to watch Facebook Watch
Facebook Watch is now available to a small group of Facebook users in the United States. The group is helping to test for any problems in the service. When ready, Facebook Watch will become available to all users in the country. Later, it will be released to the entire Facebook world.
Facebook Watch can be used through Facebook's mobile app and website.
Look for a TV icon on Facebook to see whether you have Facebook Watch.
I’m Caty Weaver.
Carolyn Nicander Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.
Do you have Facebook Watch yet? Are you looking forward to watching shows on Facebook Watch? What would you like to watch on Facebook Watch?
Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page.
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Words in This Story
original - adj. made or produced first : not a copy, translation, etc.
streaming - adj. playing continuously as data is sent to a computer over the Internet
schedule - n. a list of the television or radio programs that are on a particular channel and the times that they begin
certain - adj. known for sure; established beyond doubt.
extraordinary - adj. extremely good or impressive​
watchlist - n. a list of things to be monitored
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/facebook-watch/3985952.htmlWed, 16 Aug 2017 22:05:57 +0000Science & TechnologyLevel TwoFeatured StoriesPersonal Technologyhttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/facebook-watch/3985952.html#commentsAmericans Preparing for Total Eclipse of the Sun
On Monday, August 21, the sun, moon and Earth will line up perfectly over many parts of the United States.
This event, called a total solar eclipse, will turn day into night for a few minutes. Then the skies will slowly lighten again.
For the first time in nearly 100 years, the total solar eclipse will be visible from the U.S. West Coast to the East Coast.
The total eclipse can be seen along a path about 110 kilometers wide and reach across 14 states.
Many areas near the main path should notice some darkness in the sky. A partial eclipse will extend up through Canada and down through Central America and the top of South America.
This eclipse is expected to be the most ever studied and celebrated.
Many places have organized events or are offering special products to celebrate the total solar eclipse. For example, you can find such products at the Eclipse Kitchen, a restaurant in Makanda, Illinois. It is selling eclipse t-shirts, safety glasses and even eclipse burgers.
Scientists are also very excited about this eclipse.
“This is a really amazing chance to just open the public’s eyes to wonder,” says Angela Des Jardins of Montana State University.
Des Jardins, a physicist, is leading an eclipse balloon project for NASA, the U.S. space agency. On August 21, students will launch balloons equipped with cameras into the sky. The cameras will send back video of the eclipse along the way.
Powerful satellites and telescopes on the ground will also be pointed at the sun and the moon’s shadow.
Astronauts will do the same with cameras on the International Space Station. Ships and airplanes will also catch the action.
Thomas Zurbuchen is the head of NASA’s science mission office. He said, “It’s going to be hard to beat, frankly."
At the same time, researchers will watch how animals and plants react to the darkness. It will be like nightfall, with temperatures expected to drop.
NASA will also present a special eclipse program on television and the internet from Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston will be the most eastern viewing point in the U.S. for the total eclipse.
The eclipse will last just 1.5 hours as the moon's shadow moves from coast to coast at speeds faster than 2,400 kilometers an hour. The sun’s crown — its normally invisible outer atmosphere known as the corona — will shine in a circle around the eclipse.
It is true that full solar eclipses happen every one, two or three years, when the moon positions itself between the sun and Earth. But they are often only visible in the middle of the ocean, or near the less-populated North or South Poles.
In no other country but the U.S. will the total eclipse be visible from one end of the country to the other. But the full path of the eclipse is much longer. It starts in the North Pacific Ocean, ends in the Atlantic, and covers 13,800 kilometers.
Twenty-one U.S. National Park locations and seven national historic trails will be in the eclipse's path.
Looking at the sun with unprotected eyes is always dangerous, except during the few minutes when the sun, moon and Earth are fully in line. But eye protection is needed before and after the full eclipse.
About 200 million Americans live within one day’s drive of the main path, and huge crowds are expected. Transportation officials are already warning travelers to be patient.
Kevin Van Horn is an astronomy lover from a town near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He plans to make the 8.5-hour drive to Nashville, Tennessee with his wife, Cindy. Nashville is the largest city along the eclipse’s main path.
Without the trip, Van Horn noted, “It would be like going to the Super Bowl and sitting outside the stadium rather than being inside and watching it.”
But this will be the 13th total solar eclipse for Rick Fienberg, a representative of the American Astronomical Society. He will be traveling to Oregon for the event.
“Going through life without ever experiencing totality,” Fienberg said, “is like going through life without ever falling in love.”
To give everyone a chance to see the eclipse, many U.S. schools are canceling classes. And, some workplaces plan to take a break or close for the day.
I'm Alice Bryant. And I'm Bryan Lynn.
The Associated Press' Marcia Dunn reported this story. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.
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Words in This Story
visible – adj. able to be seen
vineyard – n. a field where wine grapes are grown
t-shirt – n. a shirt that has short sleeves and no collar and that is usually made of cotton
be hard to beat – expression. to be the best; to be better than other things of its kind
trail – n. a path through a forest, field, or mountain range that is used for hiking and seeing plants and animals
Super Bowl – n. the yearly championship game of the National Football League
shadow – n. a dark area or shape made by an object blocking rays of light
burger – n. short for hamburger, a sandwich made of ground beef
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/american-preparing-for-a-total-eclipse-of-the-sun/3982074.htmlWed, 16 Aug 2017 22:02:32 +0000HomeScience & TechnologyAs It IsLevel Twohttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/american-preparing-for-a-total-eclipse-of-the-sun/3982074.html#commentsIce Cream, Research Supplies Reach Space Station
The International Space Station, or ISS, received some interesting supplies Wednesday: ice cream and live mice.
The SpaceX Dragon capsule connected with the ISS after a two-day flight from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
American astronaut Jack Fisher used the space station’s robotic arm to capture the Dragon capsule. At the time, they were traveling 400 kilometers above the Pacific Ocean, near New Zealand.
Most of the 3-ton load is for research. But the capsule also brought a sweet treat. The United States space agency, NASA, added vanilla, chocolate and birthday cake ice cream to the food supplies. That last flavor came just in time to celebrate American astronaut Randolph Bresnik’s birthday. He recently reached the ISS, and turns 50 next month.
Bresnik’s crewmate Peggy Whitson will also probably enjoy the treats. She has been on the ISS since November.
“Congratulations on a job well done,” Mission Control radioed from Houston. “You guys have just won yourselves some fresh food.”
Science experiments
The Dragon also brought an extra-large science cargo. Among the supplies is an instrument to find cosmic rays. Cosmic rays are particles that hit the Earth from anywhere beyond its atmosphere.
The U.S. Army also put a small satellite on board to be released from the station this fall. It has low-cost cameras and telescopes. The military wants to see how small satellites like this might help ground operations.
The 20 live mice shipped to the station will be used in a study of an eye problem. Some male astronauts have suffered this problem in space. Scientists will study the pressure in the animals’ eyes and how fluid moves in their brains.
Florida State University’s Michael Delp is leading the experiment. He says thirty days in space for mice is similar to three years for humans. Sometimes the vision problem lasts long after spaceflight. Delp says the study may help explain why female astronauts do not experience the problem.
Also on the space station are protein crystals that may provide information about Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson's is a chronic brain and nervous system disease that affects people’s movement. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is a partner in the experiment. Fox is an actor who suffers from the disease.
SpaceX is one of NASA’s two main shippers for station supplies. Orbital ATK is the other. The company is set to transport supplies to the station in November from the state of Virginia. The two companies took over transporting cargo after NASA retired the space shuttles.
The Space X Dragon is the only supply ship that can return cargo to Earth. Its reusable rocket landed back at Cape Canaveral shortly after sending the Dragon into space.
“The crew stands ready to rock the science like a boss,” Fischer said, talking about the research supplies from the Dragon.
He said it is enough for more than 250 experiments in the coming months. The three astronauts along with Italian crewmember Paolo Nespoli will carry out the research.
“Need to get back to work. We’ve got a Dragon to unload,” Fischer told Mission Control.
The other current ISS crewmembers are Georgian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin Russian cosmonaut Sergei Nikolaevich.
I’m Jonathan Evans.
Anne Ball wrote this story for Learning English with information from the Associated Press. Caty Weaver was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
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Words in This Story
capsule – n. a small pressurized vehicle for space flight
cargo – n. something that is carried from one place to another by boat, airplane, etc.
vision – n.​ the ability to see : sight or eyesight​
rock – v. to be very enjoyable, pleasing, or effective
boss – adj. great or excellent
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/ice-cream-research-supplies-reach-space-station/3988447.htmlWed, 16 Aug 2017 22:00:32 +0000HomeScience & TechnologyScience in the NewsLevel Twohttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/ice-cream-research-supplies-reach-space-station/3988447.html#commentsScientists Identify New Search Area for Missing Malaysian Plane
Scientists say they have identified a new, smaller search area for a Malaysian passenger airplane, which went missing in 2014.
The scientists are with the Australian government’s main scientific agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. They released a report about the missing plane on Wednesday.
The agency said it believed with great “precision and certainty” that Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 crashed in the southern Indian Ocean. It said scientists believe the plane, a Boeing 777, came down in waters northeast of an area that once was thought to be its final resting place.
Two years of searches failed to find evidence of the aircraft or the 239 people it was carrying. The plane disappeared on a flight from Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, to Beijing on March 8, 2014.
The new report identified a 25,000-square-kilometer area off the coast of Western Australia as a likely crash site. The scientific agency said its finding was based on satellite images taken two weeks after Flight MH370 went missing.
The scientists said the images - provided by France’s military intelligence service - showed about 70 objects floating in the water. They described some of the debris as “probably” man-made.
The agency said it thinks the new findings could now make it possible “to identify a most-likely location of the aircraft.”
The two-year search operation was a joint effort of Australia, China and Malaysia. The operation was called off in January. About $160 million was spent on the search efforts. It was not clear whether the new report would lead to any new search efforts.
The Australian government reacted cautiously to the new report. The Transport Safety Bureau said in a statement the scientists had not proven that objects seen in the images came from the Malaysian plane.
Oceanographer David Griffin helped to prepare the report. He admitted the scientists cannot be totally sure that objects seen in the images are actual pieces of the plane.
However, he said this still may be “a really good clue” to find new evidence. “If you are going to search, then you'd be silly to ignore this potential clue,” he said.
The disappearance of Flight MH370 has become one of the world's greatest flight mysteries. The plane is thought to have gone thousands of kilometers off course before crashing in the Indian Ocean.
So far, only three large pieces of debris that washed ashore from the ocean have been confirmed as coming from the missing plane.
I’m Bryan Lynn.
Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on reports from VOANews, Reuters and the Associated Press. George Grow was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Do you think the search should continue for the missing plane? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.
_____________________________________________________________
Words in This Story
precision – n. quality of exactness or accuracy
certainty – n. surety, not in doubt
debris – n. pieces left over from something that was destroyed
cautiously – adj. acting extremely carefully, avoiding risks
clue – n. something that helps a person solve a mystery
silly – adj. not serious, meaningful or important
potential – adj. capable of becoming something in the future
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/scientists-identify-new-possible-search-area-for-malaysia-airlines-flight-370/3988395.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/scientists-identify-new-possible-search-area-for-malaysia-airlines-flight-370/3988395.htmlWed, 16 Aug 2017 22:00:06 +0000HomeWorld NewsAs It IsLevel Twohttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/scientists-identify-new-possible-search-area-for-malaysia-airlines-flight-370/3988395.html#commentsChina Answers Trump's Call for Trade Investigation
China says it will “resolutely safeguard” its economic interests if the United States investigates China’s possible theft of American intellectual property.
Intellectual property includes inventions that are creatively produced, such as designs or technology.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed what is called a presidential memorandum about the issue on Monday. The document directs the Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to investigate whether China has been illegally taking American intellectual property. The investigation will take as long as one year.
On Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce warned the United States that China will not “sit by and watch” if the United States ignores international trade rules.
Trump wants trade officials to look into the Chinese requirements for American companies to do business in China.
He said the United States will “stand up to any country that unlawfully forces American companies to transfer their valuable technology” in order to do business there.
Intellectual property owners have the right to sell their inventions to make money and competitors are barred from copying those inventions. However, if that intellectual property is stolen, the owners can lose money because other companies can make illegal versions of their product.
“For too long this wealth has been drained from our country while Washington has done nothing,” Trump said. “As president of the United States, it is my duty and responsibility to protect the American worker’s technology and industry from unfair and abusive actions.”
If the United States finds wrongdoing, it could ask the World Trade Organization to punish China or look for other solutions.
Patrick Chovanec is the chief strategist at Silvercrest Asset Management, which is based in New York. He said the theft of international property by China has been happening for a long time.
He said, in the past, China was unwilling to negotiate about intellectual property theft. However, Trump will need to decide, after the investigation ends, if he wants to seek trade restrictions.
Chovanec said that, in the past, sanctions have caused China to react with similar measures.
Before Trump signed the order, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Hua Chunying released a warning on Monday. Hua said Trump’s action could lead to a trade war in which “both sides will be the losers.”
Trump has criticized the U.S. trade deficit with China, which was $347 billion in 2016.
Trump has suggested that he would reduce criticism of China if the country did more to control North Korea and its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
China said on Monday that it is banning imports of coal, iron ore, seafood and other products from North Korea. The move is required by new United Nations Security Council sanctions. The sanctions are aimed at cutting North Korea’s yearly export income by $1 billion.
I'm Mario Ritter.
And I'm Olivia Liu.
Ken Bredemeier reported this story for VOA News. Olivia Liu adapted this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.
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Words in This Story
resolutely – adv. firmly, with resolve
transfer –v. to cause something to be moved from one place to another
drained – v. to slowly disappear
sanctions – n. punishment meant to force a country to obey international law
ballistic missile – n. a missile able to strike targets at great distances
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the comments section below.
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/china-us-investigation-trade/3988257.htmlWed, 16 Aug 2017 21:55:11 +0000HomeWorld NewsAs It IsLevel Twohttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/china-us-investigation-trade/3988257.html#commentsObama Tweet on Charlottesville Breaks Twitter Record
This is What’s Trending Today…
Barack Obama was the first president of the United States to be active on social media.
When Obama left office in January, many people wondered if he would continue using services like Facebook and Twitter.
It turns out, he tweets only a few times a month.
After Donald Trump became president, Obama used Twitter to say some goodbyes and share memories from his eight years in the White House.
He wished everyone a happy Valentine’s Day on February 14.
In March, he tweeted about International Women’s Day, the death of singer Chuck Berry and a terrorist attack in London.
In May, he tweeted about the bomb that killed over 20 people after American singer Ariana Grande performed in Manchester, England.
In June, Obama wrote that of all the many things he has done, he was most proud to be the father of daughters Sasha and Malia. And he wished everyone a happy Father’s Day.
Since then, he went on social media to write about health care, as the U.S. Senate debated the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. And he wished Senator John McCain a speedy recovery after tests showed McCain has a form of brain cancer.
But it was Obama’s tweet from last weekend that has received the most attention. In fact, it is now the most-liked tweet of all time, with over 3.3 million likes in just a few days.
Obama user Twitter to quote former South African president Nelson Mandela after deadly violence in the American city of Charlottesville, Virginia. His tweet came after a day in which white nationalists gathered to protest the city’s decision to move the statue of a Civil War general. Other protesters also gathered to denounce the group. One woman was killed and more than 20 others injured when a man drove a car into the counter-protesters.
Obama wrote: “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion. …” The former president included a photograph of himself looking through a window at three children of different races.
The Mandela quote continued to two more tweets, but the first one got the most attention.
The tweet surpassed a tweet from Ariana Grande that expressed sympathy for those hurt by the bomb that exploded after her show.
By Wednesday morning, Obama’s tweet was the fifth-most re-tweeted of all time, according to the website Favstar.fm.
And that's What's Trending Today.
I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.
Dan Friedell adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on information from VOANews and The Washington Post. George Grow was the editor.
Did you like or re-tweet Obama’s tweet? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.
_______________________________________________________________
Words in This Story
goodbye – n. a message given before a person leaves
proud – adj. very pleased because of something you have done
quote – n. the act of repeating someone’s actual comments
surpass– v. to be better or greater than (someone or something)
according – adv. as stated by or in
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/obama-tweet-breaks-record/3988121.htmlWed, 16 Aug 2017 21:34:07 +0000HomeEntertainmentWhat's Trending Today?Level Onehttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/obama-tweet-breaks-record/3988121.html#commentsLesson 46: May I Borrow That? Summary
Anna finds out it's Marsha's birthday. She wants to give her a present. But she does not have much money. What will she do?
Speaking
In this video, learn how to say the new words. Then learn how to talk about borrowing or lending.​
Pronunciation
Use this video to practice the pronunciation of words that end with an "r" sound in American English.
Conversation
Anna: Have a nice day at work Marsha!
Marsha: You too, Anna. Oh, wait. Do you have pen and paper I can borrow?
Anna: Of course.
Marsha: We are meeting at this restaurant tonight.
Anna: What is happening tonight?
Marsha: Today is my birthday. We are celebrating at 7pm tonight. Did you forget?
Anna: Sorry, Marsha! I gotta go! See you later!
Marsha: Don't forget! Tonight … 7pm!
Anna: I forgot Marsha’s birthday! And I don’t get my paycheck until next week. I know. I'll make her a gift. I’ll just have to borrow a couple of things.
Anna: Amelia, may I borrow your stapler?
Amelia: Sure. I can lend you my stapler, Anna. But please return it. It’s my favorite stapler.
Anna: You can trust me. I understand. One time, I loaned my stapler to the wrong person.
Anna: Thanks, Amelia.
Amelia: Don’t mention it. Bye, stapler!
Anna: Jonathan! Can I borrow your scissors?
Jonathan: Oh! Hi, Anna! What’re you doing?
Anna: Can I borrow your scissors? Sorry to bother you.
Jonathan: Yes, I can lend them to you, but you must return them. These scissors -- they are the sharpest scissors in the office. Watch.
Anna: Wow, those are sharp. I will be very careful.
Jonathan: Okay.
Anna: And I’ll bring them back tomorrow.
Jonathan: Good.
Anna: Thank you.
Jonathan: You're welcome.
Anna: Happy Birthday, Marsha! (gives Marsha a gift)
Marsha: Thanks, Anna! I love birthday gifts! Anna, it is … interesting. What is it?
Anna: Well, I know you love hats. And you need office supplies. So, this is your own office supply hat!
Marsha: Wow! That is a lot of office supplies!
Anna: Many people loaned or shared their supplies with me. Some people really love their office supplies. It has paper, pens, tape, erasers, rubber bands, binder clips, paper clips, and a light!
Marsha: What is the balloon for?
Anna: The balloon will help your friends find you. Let’s try it! You get a seat in the restaurant - I will find you!
Anna: Sometimes all the money in the world can’t buy the perfect gift. Until next time!
Writing
In this lesson, Anna makes a gift for her friend Marsha. Did you ever make a gift for a friend or a family member? What was it? How did you make it? Write to us by email or in the Comments section.
Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice talking about borrowing and lending office supplies. You can now fill in the activity sheet on the computer!
Learning Strategy
Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective.
The learning strategy for this lesson is Act it Out. When we act out something, using our body instead of using words, we are finding another way to communicate our meaning. That helps when we do not know a word, or when it is too loud to talk. We can also use this strategy to build stronger memories of the things we are learning.
In this lesson, Anna wants to ask Jonathan if she can borrow his scissors. But he is listening to loud music, so she acts out using scissors. He understands that she wants to use his scissors easily before he hears her question.
Do you ever act out the new words you are learning in English? Try it with the new words for office supplies in this lesson. Say each word and make an action with your hands as if you are holding or using that thing. Does it help you learn the new words? Write to us about it in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.
Quiz
Listen to short videos and test your listening skills with this quiz.
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New Words
borrow - v. to take and use (something that belongs to someone else) for a period of time before returning it
bring back - phrasal verb. to return with (something or someone)
celebrate - v. to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion or holiday
gift - n. something that is given to another person
lend - v. to give (something) to (someone) to be used for a period of time and then returned
loan - v. to give (something) to (someone) for a period of time
mention - v. to talk or write about something or someone in a brief way
don't mention it -used to answer someone who has just thanked you for something
paycheck - n. the money that you regularly earn
sharp - adj. having a thin edge that is able to cut things
supplies - n. [plural] : things (such as food, equipment, fuel, and so on) that are needed for a particular purpose
Office Supplies
​______________________________________________________
Free Materials
Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website.
Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. In this lesson, you can use it to practice talking about borrowing and lending things.
For Teachers
​
Grammar: Verbs lend, borrow, and loan
Topics: Asking for permission
Learning Strategy: Act It Out
Pronunciation: Words that end in "r" in American English
See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for ideas and more teaching resources. Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions.
____________________________________________________________
Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson.
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-lesson-46-may-i-borrow-that/3723588.htmlWed, 16 Aug 2017 20:00:48 +0000Let's Learn English - Level 1https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-lesson-46-may-i-borrow-that/3723588.html#commentsAugust 16, 2017A look at the best news photos from around the world.https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/august-16-2017-day-in-photos/3988686.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/august-16-2017-day-in-photos/3988686.htmlWed, 16 Aug 2017 19:15:00 +0000The Day in PhotosExplainer: Freedom of Assemblyhttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3988135.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3988135.htmlWed, 16 Aug 2017 16:55:00 +0000Learning English TVhttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3988135.html#commentsTrump Again Blames ‘Both Sides’ for Charlottesville Violence
President Donald Trump has again blamed “both sides” for deadly clashes last weekend between white supremacists and other protesters.
His comments came in response to questions from reporters Tuesday at Trump Tower in New York.
Trump said the groups that protested against white supremacists during the demonstrations Saturday in Charlottesville, Virginia, were “also very violent.”
The latest remarks seemed to undo a statement Monday in which Trump condemned the actions of white supremacists and other hate groups. Trump’s prepared statement Monday came after he was heavily criticized for saying earlier that the Charlottesville violence was caused by “many sides.”
In his statement Monday, the president said "racism is evil.” He added: “Those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK (Ku Klux Klan), neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans."
In Charlottesville on Saturday, a 32-year-old woman was killed and 19 people were injured when a man drove his car into a crowd of activists. The activists were protesting a white supremacist demonstration. Another 15 people were injured in fights between white supremacists and counter-demonstrators.
Trump blames 'both sides'
In his comments Tuesday, Trump called the events in Charlottesville “a horrible day.” But he said there was “blame on both sides,” and added there are “two sides to a story.” Trump even praised his first comments on the issue. He added that some facts about the violence still are not known.
When a reporter asked Trump about the alt-right’s role in the violence. Trump said, “Excuse me, what about the alt-left who came charging as you say at the alt-right? Do they have any semblance of guilt?”
Trump added “I’ve condemned neo-Nazis. I’ve condemned many different groups. Not all of those people were neo-Nazis, believe me. Not all of those people were white supremacists by any stretch.” The president went on to say “Those people were also there because they wanted to protest the taking down of a statue of Robert Lee.”
White nationalists, the KKK and others had gone to Charlottesville to protest the city’s decision to take down a monument. It was a statue of Robert E. Lee, an important Civil War general who fought for the southern states. The southern states were seeking to separate from the United States. Many find such monuments offensive because of the South’s support for slavery.
Well-known former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke welcomed the president’s latest remarks. “Thank you President Trump for your honesty & courage to tell the truth,” he tweeted.
Others were quick to criticize his comments.
Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown tweeted, “There are not ‘many sides’ to blame for #Charlottesville. There is right and wrong. White nationalism, hatred and bigotry are wrong.”
Texas Representative Will Hurd, a Republican, called on Trump to apologize for his latest remarks. “Racism, bigotry, anti-Semitism of any form is unacceptable,” he told Cable News Network. “And the leader of the free world should be unambiguous about that.”
I’m Bryan Lynn.
Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on reports from the Associated Press and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor.
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Words in This Story
white supremacist – n. person who believes whites are better than blacks and other races
evil - adj. morally bad
thug – n. violent criminal
repugnant – adj. causing a strong feeling of dislike or disgust
semblance – n. the state of being kind of like something else, but not truly the same thing​
bigotry – n. strong, unfair opinions about other groups or people
unambiguous – adj. clearly expressed or understood
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/trump-blames-both-sides-for-charlottesville-violence/3987087.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/trump-blames-both-sides-for-charlottesville-violence/3987087.htmlTue, 15 Aug 2017 22:58:23 +0000HomeUS NewsAs It IsLevel Twohttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/trump-blames-both-sides-for-charlottesville-violence/3987087.html#commentsPromoting Gender Equality with Teaching StrategiesEditor’s Note: This is part one of a two-part series on promoting gender equality in the classroom.
The best educational environments are those that are fair to all students, male or female.
But in many places around the world, female and male students do not always have the same chances for a good education.
In today’s teaching tips, we will discuss supporting gender equality in the classroom. We also will discuss how to create a more equal and balanced learning environment.
​Helping future generations
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says access to a good education is important for getting out of poverty.
An educated individual is more likely to grow up healthy and have more opportunities for employment. This increases their chance of raising healthy children, and supporting them to also get an education. When all students, both male and female, have equal access to educational opportunities, the results impact future generations.
Creating more equal educational opportunities for students begins in the classroom and with the teacher. A strong teacher is one who treats their students fairly and creates an environment where students feel equally able to take part.
​
​1. Tips for learning environments
Teachers can create the appearance of gender bias through unintentional, nonverbal actions. The first step to correcting this problem is to organize your classroom in a way that makes all students feel equal.
Establish rules
It is important for a teacher to establish a set of rules from the very beginning that promote equality. An effective way to do this is to create class rules with students. Ask students to suggest ideas for how to keep an equal and respectful classroom.
This permits the teacher to point to the rules as something that the whole class has agreed on. It is important to include rules that deal with respecting students, respecting the teacher and participating in class.
Have a classroom seating plan that supports equal participation.
If you find that certain students, regardless of their gender, are not participating in class, try to change your class seating plan. For example, try having students who usually sit in the back come to the front.
Teachers tend to interact the most with students sitting closest to them. For this reason, it is important to change the seating order (if possible) to give all students a chance to sit near the teacher.
Have equal academic and behavior expectations for all students
Teachers should try to avoid making things easier for either male or female students by giving them easier questions in class, or trying to solve things for the students.
Doing this can create the perception that certain students are not as smart as others. Teachers should hold the same expectations of all students.
Use group work
Often there will be some students, male or female, who are not comfortable speaking in front of large classes. But, they may feel more comfortable speaking in small groups. In order to give all students the opportunity to take part in class, try doing some activities in small groups of three to four students.​
2. Tips for classroom strategies
After organizing your class in a way that promotes equality, the next step is to consider the effects of your actions in class.
Addressing students equally
One of the main opportunities students have to participate in class is when they are answering teachers’ questions. Teachers need to call on or talk to both female and male students in a balanced way. Research shows that both male and female teachers often call on male students to speak in class more often than female students.
Provide enough wait time to answer questions.
Some students, male or female, may need time to think about the answer to a question when called on by a teacher. When calling on students who seem to wait longer to answer a question, make sure to give students at least four to five seconds. Research shows that giving students more time to answer will increase the number of students who participate.
Use gender neutral language
Sometimes in English people use male pronouns when referring to a group. But, this can make female students feel left out. Teachers should use gender neutral pronouns whenever possible. One example is, instead of saying “guys” when referring to a class or group (which is common in American English), say “everybody” or “everyone.”
Body language
Teachers may not realize that their body language with female students might be different from what it is with male students.
Whenever male or female students are talking, use respectful, listening body language. Face the listener, do not walk away, and do not interrupt students.
Also the teacher can move to different areas of the classroom while speaking. This is important because students sitting further from the teacher tend to participate less.
Discipline
Be aware when male students insult female students, or female students insult male students.
If the insults appear to be gender-based, students may be discouraged from participating in class in the future. Be quick to intervene and discipline the students making insults. This shows students of either gender that they will be supported.
However it is important that both male and female students are given the same discipline for the same actions.
These strategies will help teachers create a more equal classroom environment for their students. They will also help teachers effectively manage their classrooms. Remember: The best form of teaching is the fairest form of teaching!
I’m Alice Bryant
And I’m Phil Dierking
Phil Dierking wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.
What other teaching strategies help promote gender quality in classrooms? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.
_______________________________________________________________
Words in This Story
bias – n. a tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others that usually results in treating some people unfairly​
discipline – n. control that is gained by requiring that rules or orders be obeyed and punishing bad behavior​
gender – n. the state of being male or female​
impact – v. to have a strong and often bad effect on something or someone)
neutral – adj. not expressing strong opinions or feelings​
perception – n. the way you think about or understand someone or something​
promote – v. to make people aware of something ​
participate – v. to be involved with others in doing something​
tend - v. used to describe what often happens or what someone often does or is likely to do​
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/promoting-gender-equality-with-teaching-strategies/3986846.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/promoting-gender-equality-with-teaching-strategies/3986846.htmlTue, 15 Aug 2017 22:05:42 +0000EducationFeatured Storieshttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/promoting-gender-equality-with-teaching-strategies/3986846.html#commentsWho Were the Groups Protesting in Charlottesville?
Signs for the recent protest in Charlottesville, Virginia promised to “Unite the Right.” That expression was directed at white nationalist groups that oppose the removal of a statue from a public park in the city.
The statue is of General Robert E. Lee, who led Confederate forces in battle during the Civil War. After four years of fighting, Union forces defeated the Confederates.
The white nationalist groups have different plans and goals. Here is a look at some of the terms used to describe some of those present at the protest.
White supremacist
White supremacists believe the white race is better than other races. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a nonprofit civil rights group. It says white supremacy is a historically-based system of abuse and oppression of continents, nations and peoples of color by white people and nations of the European continent. The SPLC says the aim of the system is to protect and defend a system of wealth, power and rights.
Alt-right
Some white nationalists and white supremacists use the term “alt-right” to describe themselves. They want to restrict immigration, limit government powers, and enforce law and order. They believe Western culture is better than other cultures. Alt-right activists do not agree with the democratic ideal that all members of society should have equal rights.
KKK or the Knights Party
The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is one of the oldest hate groups in the United States. The group has a long history of violence. It began targeting black Americans. But it has also attacked Jews, immigrants, homosexuals and, until recently, Catholics.
In 1975, David Duke founded the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Duke said his goal was to make the KKK less violent. He and his supporters call themselves the Knights Party. They believe that non-whites should obey Christian teachings. They believe whites must not marry or live near non-whites. They also believe that “in the years to come,” they will be recognized by the American people as the white rights movement.
Neo-Nazis or American Nazi Party
The Neo-Nazis or American Nazi Party wants all Aryans in North America to unite. On its website, the party says there must be “an all-White National Socialist America; an America in which our children and our grandchildren will play and go to school with other white children; an America in which they will date and marry other young people of our own race; an America in which all their offspring will be beautiful, healthy white babies.” The party says the culture, society, businesses and politics of the United States should be free of foreign and Jewish influence; “an America in which White people are the sole masters of our own destiny.”
Neo-Confederate
Neo-Confederates believe the American Civil War never ended. They consider themselves members of a new Confederate Army. Their goal is to have a country made up only of the southern states.
Traditional Workers Party
Members of The Traditionalist Worker Party believe the U.S. is “far too large, diverse, and infested with lobbyists and oligarchs for realistic solutions to come from a centralized, top-down approach to solving political problems.” The group wants power taken from “the corrupt and unaccountable federal government.” It says power should be given to “community and regional leaders who stand for traditional values, strong families, and revived cultures.”
Groups opposing the “Unite the Right” demonstration
At least two opposing groups publicly opposed the protest last Saturday.
Black Lives Matter
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) group says on its website that it is working for the “validity of black life.” The group was founded in 2012 after the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, an African-American teenager. BLM says it supports “black queer and trans folks, disabled folks, black-undocumented folks, folks with (criminal) records, women and all black lives along the gender spectrum.”
Antifa
Antifa is short for the term anti-fascists. Mark Bray wrote a book called Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook. He says the antifa movement came out of resistance to Italian leader Benito Mussolini and German leader Adolf Hitler in the 1920s and 1930s.
The movement opposes the alt-right and the rule of U.S. President Donald Trump. These groups are not organized and not considered widespread throughout the country. They strongly oppose discrimination against homosexuality, racism, sexism, and sometimes capitalism.
VOA’s Aline Barros researched and wrote this explanation of protest groups in the United States. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.
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Words in This Story
homosexual – n. a person who is sexually attracted to people of the same sex
Aryan – n. used in Nazism to identify a supposed master race of non-Jewish whites with Nordic features
destiny – n. what happens in the future; the things that someone or something will experience in the future
infest – v. to fill (a place) in large numbers
lobby – n. an organized group of people who work together to influence government decisions that relate to a particular industry, issue, etc.
oligarch – n. a person who belongs to a small group of people who govern or control a country, business, etc.
validity – n. the state of being acceptable according to the law
queer – adj. homosexual (offensive in most of its uses, but it is also now sometimes used in a neutral or positive way especially by some homosexual and bisexual people.)
trans – adj. abbreviation for transgender (which is defined as “of or relating to people who feel that their true nature does not match their sex at birth”)
spectrum – n. a complete range of different opinions, people, etc.
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/who-were-the-groups-protesting-in-charlottesville/3986723.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/who-were-the-groups-protesting-in-charlottesville/3986723.htmlTue, 15 Aug 2017 22:00:15 +0000HomeUS NewsAs It IsLevel Twohttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/who-were-the-groups-protesting-in-charlottesville/3986723.html#commentsIndonesia Increases Its Own War on Drugs
Indonesia’s President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is again urging an increase in efforts to fight illegal drugs in the country.
Jokowi said police should shoot foreign drug dealers who “resist arrest.” He added that the country is in a “narcotics emergency position.”
Jokowi made his comments at a political event in late July. Days before the speech, police shot and killed a Taiwanese man for resisting arrest. Police say he and several others were trying to smuggle 1,000 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine into Indonesia.
Recently, Jakarta Police Chief General Adham Azis said he would “not think twice” about dismissing police officers who were not fighting drug trafficking enough.
In addition, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights recently announced a plan to place all people currently jailed for drug offenses into four prisons. The prisons in West Java, North Sumatra, Central Java and Central Kalimantan would get increased security, news reports say.
Human rights groups raise concerns
The New York-based rights group Human Rights Watch has criticized Indonesia’s campaign against drug trafficking.
In a statement, the group said, “President Joko Widodo should send a clear and public message to the police that efforts to address the complex problems of drugs and criminality require the security forces to respect everyone’s basic rights, not demolish them.”
The aim of Indonesia’s campaign is to stop the flow of the low-cost drug crystal methamphetamine. It is similar to the effort of President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. He has been criticized for his violent campaign against drug crimes. Thousands of drug dealers and users have been killed.
Last month, Indonesian officials seized the largest amount of crystal methamphetamine in the history of the country.
The head of Indonesia’s narcotics agency, General Budi Waseso, called for a war on drugs -- similar to the one in the Philippines -- last September.
He told Australia’s ABC news agency, “The market that existed in the Philippines is moving to Indonesia, the impact of President Duterte’s actions is an exodus to Indonesia.”
Severe punishments for drug crimes
Drug trafficking can carry a death sentence in Indonesia which considers the offense as serious as murder or terrorism.
People found guilty of low-level drug crimes are estimated to make up 70 percent of Indonesia’s prison population.
Erasmus Napitupulu is with the Institute for Criminal Justice Reform in Jakarta. He said there are many question about President Jokowi’s drug policy. He criticized the death sentence as putting a big burden on Indonesia’s justice system.
“The death penalty targets small drug couriers, which in many cases leads to unfair trials. Indonesian law has not been able to bear the burden of fair trial(s),” he said.
Southeast Asian countries have resisted lightening punishments for drug users or traffickers. Besides Indonesia and the Philippines, other countries in the area, including Singapore, want to continue with harsh punishments for drug crimes.
Last year, however, Thailand considered changing the criminalization of methamphetamine because prisons were becoming overcrowded.
But there are no similar signs in Indonesia.
In 2015, Jokowi led an anti-drug campaign that resulted in the execution of 14 people for drug offenses.
But, critics say that the severe punishments have not reduced the number of crimes. Claudia Stoicescu is a researcher at the University of Oxford.
She wrote, “Far from having a deterrent effect, the number of drug-related crimes in Indonesia increased in the months after the executions were carried out in January and April 2015.”
Other critics say increased resources used for drug-related arrests have taken money away from rehabilitation efforts. Some say those resources could be better used to help an estimated one million Indonesians addicted to methamphetamines.
Erasmus says Indonesia should learn from the experience of the United States.
The U.S. has reduced the number of arrests over small drug crimes and moved to legalize small amounts of the drug marijuana.
“If Indonesia retains capital punishment as the main solution for drug issues, then I believe it is a political decision to preserve (politicians’) image(s), not to protect actual narcotics victims,” he said.
I’m Mario Ritter.
Krithika Varagur reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.
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Words in This Story
narcotics –n. drugs that have a powerful effect on the mind and body whose use is highly controlled and often illegal
demolish –v. to tear down, destroy
exodus –n. the act of a group leaving a place
couriers –n. people who carry packages or letters from one place to another
deterrent –n. something that keeps people from doing some activity
rehabilitation –n. the process of bringing someone (who is sick, injured or has a problem) back to health
retain –v. to keep
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https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/indonesia-drug-war/3981906.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/indonesia-drug-war/3981906.htmlTue, 15 Aug 2017 21:49:39 +0000HomeWorld NewsAs It IsLevel Twohttps://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/indonesia-drug-war/3981906.html#comments